Winning dream wedding lets couple say 'I do' a bit sooner

Justin Perry and Michelle White won this year's Real Maine Wedding of the Year after sharing their story of love, commitment and smiling in the face of sadness.

Author:
Jessica Gagne

Published:
3:40 AM CDT March 24, 2016

Updated:
10:34 AM CDT March 24, 2016

WELLS, Maine (NEWS CENTER) -- A deep breath is easily taken for granted, but the future Mr. and Mrs. Perry cherish every single one.

Michelle White and Justin Perry had been dating for three short months before Justin was diagnosed with stage four lung cancer caused by a genetic mutation.

When the easy answer was to run, neither one ever dreamed about letting go. And through the surgeries, sickness, constant appointments and clinical trials, their love grew even stronger.

Last summer, in front of thousands of fans at Fenway Park, Justin proposed to Michelle. Because of medical bills and school debt, getting married right away was out of the question. That is, until they stumbled upon the Real Maine Wedding of the Year contest.

The couple submitted a video sharing their story. After thousands of votes, Justin and Michelle won the grand prize: a wedding worth $100,000.

Now, the couple that knows every smile shared is precious won't have to wait to be husband and wife.

Justin and Michelle will be married on October 21, 2016.

Justin says he is on his second clinical trial, and responding well to treatment.